Conocimientos y actitudes sobre consumo preconcepcional de ácido fólico. Estudiantes de primer año de medicina. Universidad de Cuenca, 2020

Abstract

Background: folic acid is a nutrient that is found naturally in different foods, including green vegetables and liver from animal sources, and in an artificial way, it is easy to find as a supplement in the market. Its consumption is beneficial since it contributes to the prevention of neural tube defects, mainly in developing countries, considerably reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality. Objective: to determine the level of knowledge and attitudes about preconceptional consumption of folic acid in first-year medical students at the University of Cuenca, 2020. Methodology: a descriptive, quantitative and prospective study was carried out in a sample of 141 first-year medical students at the University of Cuenca in 2020 out of a total of 220. The research was carried out with a confidence level of 95% and a 5% error rate. Results: the study carried out showed that 76% presented a deficient level of knowledge, being this independent of sex. In terms of attitudes, the entire sample recognized folic acid as beneficial before and during pregnancy, and more than 90% would recommend its use. Conclusions: The level of knowledge about the use of folic acid was deficient, and the level of attitudes regarding the subject are mostly fair